Frederik Andersen releases emotional statement on the passing of Claude Lemieux.

The sudden and shocking passing of former National Hockey League player Claude Lemieux has left the hockey community in mourning, but nothing can compare to the pain being felt by those who were closest to the man.

After the Lemieux family issued a public statement on Sunday, it was Frederik Andersen's turn to speak about the man that he very clearly had a deep love and affection for. Andersen, who was Lemieux's first major client, alongside fellow European NHLer Hampus Lindholm, built a very close relationship with Lemieux who acted very much like a mentor to his clients.

That was reflected in Andersen's message today, one that spoke of a man that was like a father to him. Here is Andersen's message, unedited and in full:

"Claude made an unimaginable impact on me during the more than 15 years that he was a part of my life. I almost feel sorry for people who didn't have an opportunity to get to know him beyond his achievements and impact on the ice. As phenomenal as his hockey career was, he was an even better human being. From day one, he made me feel like I was a part of his family – treating me with care, compassion, loyalty and love as if I was his own son. He had a similar effect on members of my own family, leaving a lasting impression on every life that he touched.

I cannot imagine the pain Claude was in, and I pray that he is in a better place now. My thoughts are with Deborah, Brendan, Claudia and the entire Lemieux family as we grieve together. Claude's spirit will remain in my heart, always."

The tributes to Lemieux's life have been pouring in non-stop in the days since his tragic passing and no doubt we will see more of them in the coming days. There is one tribute I would like to highlight once again if only because it truly highlights the character of the man Lemieux was off the ice. One of his greatest nemeses, former Detroit Red Wings Darren McCarty, spoke highly of Lemieux after he learned the terrible news.

Despite their hatred on the ice, the two men became friends after their NHL careers which made McCarty's tribute to his former rival an especially touching one.